Career Exploration
Career Exploration often starts with researching career pathways you are most interested in and being curious to learn about yourself throughout your time at CSU as you explore opportunities to build your skills to support your success after graduation.
13-25
Career Roles
held throughout a career
Exploring Roles in Your Career
Research shows that the average number of roles a person will have throughout their career will range from 13-25. You will likely get to explore many different roles in your career, the career exploration process is a cycle you will revisit many times throughout your career.
Exploring Your Interests in Ag Sciences
Handshake
Handshake is a career platform created for college students and recent graduates to explore opportunities for current part-time, on-campus, internships, and full-time employment locally and globally. It is a career platform where employers are directly seeking to connect with CSU students. It is also a place you can schedule career advising appointments with your college career education team.
What Can I Do With This Major?
A tool to start exploring the vast career possibilities within broad major categories and tips for strategies for success.
ONet OnLine & Occupational Outlook Handbook
Resources for exploring specific jobs of interest.
My Next Move Onet Interest Profiler
Interest-Focused Career Assessment to support exploring careers you may be interested in.
Informational Interview Guide
Resource for connecting directly with an employer and learning more about a field or job.
GoinGlobal
Resource for exploring international career paths.
GoGovernment
Resource for exploring federal and state government career paths.
Exploring Your Values, Personality, and Strengths
Career Assessments can be great tools to support self-reflection during the exploration process. Career assessments offer limited support in overall career exploration. It is always encouraged schedule a career advising appointment to support integrating career assessment results and additional resources into your career exploration journey.
Building Your Skills
Being career curious and stepping outside of your comfort zone to try new things is a significant part in your career exploration journey. Throughout your time at CSU, you will have many opportunities to build your skills and gain experience. Take a moment to visit the Gaining Experience page to find new ways to optimize your skillsets.
We’ve also compiled resources for exploring and learning new skills.
LinkedIn Learning
A free resource to all students to explore opportunities to learn and enhance your skills, create a LinkedIn profile and the courses you complete can be linked to your profile, highlighting the valuable skills you gained.
Professional Associations and Organizations
Are organizations designed to build connections among industry professionals in similar fields, these professionals are often in a variety of career stages from entry level to executive level. You can gain valuable industry insight, career resources, and experience through exploring and engaging with professional organizations.
This list of Ag Industry professional organizations is not all-inclusive, and meant to serve as a starting place for exploration
Identity-Centered Agricultural Science Professional Organizations
- Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences: Promotes academic and professional advancement for minorities in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences.
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science: Promotes the achievement of true diversity in STEM fields, including agricultural sciences.
- National Black Farmers Association: Advocates for the economic and environmental well-being of Black farmers.
- Women in Agribusiness: Provides a platform for women in various agribusiness sectors to connect and advance.
- National Women in Agriculture Association: Supports and empowers women in the agriculture industry.
- Queer Farmers Network: Connects and supports LGBTQ+ individuals in the farming community.
- Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative: Supports Indigenous people’s efforts in food and agriculture systems.
- Veterans in Agriculture: Connects and supports military veterans in pursuing careers in agriculture.
- Agrbility: A national program that assists farmers and ranchers with disabilities, providing resources and support to help them continue working in agriculture.
- Association for Women in Science: Advocates for women in STEM and provides resources for their advancement.
- oSTEM – Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Supports LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM fields to foster inclusion and diversity.
- National Association of Asian American Professionals – STEM SIG: Focuses on professional development for Asian American professionals in STEM careers.
Agricultural Sciences Professional Organizations
Local Colorado and Regional Professional Organizations
- Colorado Farm Bureau: Represents Colorado farmers and ranchers, advocating for agricultural interests.
- Colorado Department of Agriculture: State agency responsible for promoting and regulating agriculture in Colorado.
- Western Growers Association: Represents farmers in Western states, focusing on issues affecting fruit, vegetable, and tree nut growers.
- Rocky Mountain Farmers Union: Supports family farmers and ranchers in the Rocky Mountain region.
- Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation: Offers leadership development programs for individuals in agriculture.
- Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association: Supports fruit and vegetable growers in Colorado through education and advocacy.
- Colorado Association of Wheat Growers: Represents wheat producers in Colorado, focusing on wheat advocacy and education.
- Colorado Conservation Tillage Association: Promotes conservation tillage practices and sustainable agriculture.
- Colorado State University Extension: Provides research-based information and education for Colorado’s agricultural community.
- Colorado Aquaculture Association: Supports aquaculture producers in Colorado and promotes sustainable aquatic farming.
- Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association: Represents agribusinesses in the Rocky Mountain region, supporting agricultural commerce.
National Professional Organizations
- Future Farmers of America: Prepares students for leadership and careers in agriculture, with a focus on personal growth, premier leadership, and career success.
- Agriculture Future of America : Provides leadership development and career support for college students preparing to enter the agriculture and food industry, fostering personal growth, networking, and career readiness.
- American Farm Bureau Federation: Advocates for farmers and ranchers, promoting agriculture’s interests.
- National Farmers Union: Supports family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
- National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: Advocates for policies that promote sustainable agriculture.
- Regenerative Agriculture Alliance: Promotes and advances regenerative farming practices.
- Agricultural & Applied Economics Association: Advances agricultural and applied economics research and education.
- National Association of State Departments of Agriculture: Represents state departments of agriculture and promotes policies supporting agriculture.
- American Agricultural Law Association: Focuses on legal issues related to agriculture.
- Agricultural Research Service: A division of the USDA conducting agricultural research.
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture: Supports agricultural research, education, and extension.
- American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers: Advances engineering in agriculture and biological systems.
- National Association of Conservation Districts: Supports conservation efforts and sustainable land use.
- United States Animal Health Association: Focuses on animal health and disease prevention in agriculture.
- Foreign Agricultural Services – USDA: Supports international agricultural trade and development.
- Food and Agriculture Organization: United Nations agency focused on global food security and sustainable agriculture.
Agricultural Biology Professional Organizations
Local Colorado and Regional Organizations
- Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association: Supports fruit and vegetable growers in Colorado through education and advocacy.
- Colorado Bioscience Society: Supports life science education and research in Colorado through networking and events.
- Colorado Mycological Society: Focuses on the study and appreciation of fungi through education and field trips.
- Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration: Advances ecological restoration practices and research in the Rocky Mountain region.
- Colorado Aquaculture Association: Supports aquaculture producers in Colorado and promotes sustainable aquatic farming.
- Colorado Native Plant Society: Promotes the conservation and appreciation of native plants in Colorado.
National Organizations
- American Society of Plant Biologists: Advances the science of plant biology and promotes research, education, and outreach.
- Crop Science Society of America: Advances the study of crop sciences and plant breeding.
- Entomological Society of America: Promotes the study of insects and their roles in agriculture and ecosystems.
- American Phytopathological Society: Focuses on plant pathology research and management of plant diseases.
- Weed Science Society of America: Supports research and education in weed science for sustainable agriculture.
- Society for Range Management : Advances the science and management of rangelands and supports sustainable land use.
- The Wildlife Society: Focused on wildlife conservation, management, and research.
- Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: Focuses on pollinator conservation and habitat restoration.
Agricultural and Resource Economics Professional Organizations
Local Colorado and Regional Organizations
- Western Agricultural Economics Association: Promotes the exchange of knowledge and ideas in agricultural economics in the western United States.
- Colorado State University Extension: Provides research-based information and education for Colorado’s agricultural community.
- Colorado Farm Bureau: Represents Colorado farmers and ranchers, advocating for agricultural interests.
- Colorado Department of Agriculture: State agency responsible for promoting and regulating agriculture in Colorado.
National Organizations
- Agricultural and Applied Economics Association: Advances agricultural and applied economics research, education, and policy.
- American Farm Bureau Federation: Advocates for farmers and ranchers, focusing on agricultural policy and economic issues.
- National Association for Business Economics: Supports professionals in business economics, including those focused on agricultural and resource economics.
- National Association of Agricultural Educators: Supports agricultural educators in fostering excellence in agricultural education.
- National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education: Provides leadership and professional development for agricultural education supervisors.
- National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization: Supports college and university students pursuing careers in agricultural education.
- National FFA Organization: Prepares students for leadership and careers in agriculture through agricultural education.
- North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture: Promotes and supports excellence in agricultural higher education.
- American Association for Agricultural Education: Advances agricultural education through research, teaching, and outreach.
- Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education: Focuses on international agricultural education and extension.
- National Center for Agricultural Literacy: Provides educational resources to promote agricultural literacy in K-12 classrooms.
- National Association of Extension 4-H Agents: Supports Extension professionals in youth development and agricultural education.
- Farm Credit Services of America: A customer-owned financial cooperative supporting rural America’s credit needs.
- Council for Agricultural Science and Technology: Promotes the communication of science in agriculture, including educational aspects.
- National FFA Organization: Prepares students for leadership and careers in agriculture through agricultural education.
- Agricultural Retailers Association: Represents agricultural retailers and distributors, focusing on crop inputs and services.
- American Farm Bureau Federation: Advocates for farmers and ranchers, focusing on agricultural policy and economic issues.
- National Young Farmers Coalition: Supports and advocates for young farmers in the United States.
- National Grain and Feed Association: Represents the grain, feed, and processing industry in the United States.
Animal and Equine Sciences Professional Associations
Local Colorado and Regional Organizations
- Colorado Cattlemen’s Association: The CCA is a prominent organization representing Colorado’s beef industry.
- Colorado Livestock Association: Represents livestock producers and promotes the livestock industry in Colorado.
- Colorado Horse Council: Represents horse enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses in Colorado.
- Colorado Veterinary Medical Association: Represents veterinarians in Colorado, including those involved in animal science.
- Colorado Wool Growers Association: Represents sheep and wool producers in Colorado.
- Colorado Beef Council: Promotes beef consumption and production in Colorado.
National Organizations
- American Society of Animal Science: A scientific society dedicated to advancing animal science and promoting research, education, and outreach in the field.
- American Veterinary Medical Association: Represents veterinarians and promotes animal health, welfare, and public health.
- National Association of Animal Breeders: Focused on improving the quality of animal breeding through education, research, and collaboration.
- American Association of Bovine Practitioners: Supports veterinarians specializing in bovine medicine and promotes cattle health and production.
- American Association of Equine Practitioners: Represents equine veterinarians and supports the health and welfare of horses.
- Poultry Science Association: Promotes poultry science research, education, and industry development.
- American Dairy Science Association: Advances dairy science research and promotes the dairy industry’s development.
- American Meat Science Association: Focuses on meat science research, education, and collaboration within the meat industry.
- Society for Range Management: Advances the science and management of rangelands and supports sustainable land use.
- The Wildlife Society: Focused on wildlife conservation, management, and research.
- American Association of Zoo Veterinarians: Represents veterinarians working with zoo and wildlife species, focusing on health, welfare, and conservation.
- American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians: Supports wildlife health, conservation, and research.
Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Professional Associations
Local Colorado and Regional Organizations
- Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado: Represents landscape professionals and promotes excellence in landscaping.
- Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association: Represents the nursery and greenhouse industry, including horticulture.
- American Society of Landscape Architects – Colorado Chapter: Represents landscape architects and promotes the profession.
- Colorado Arborists and Lawn Care Professionals: Supports tree care professionals and arborists.
- Colorado Native Plant Society: Promotes the conservation and use of native plants in Colorado.
- Colorado State University Extension – Horticulture: While not an association, the Extension offers valuable resources for horticulture enthusiasts.
- Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association: Supports golf course superintendents and professionals.
National Organizations
- American Society for Horticultural Science: Advances horticultural research, education, and communication.
- Horticultural Research Institute: Supports research to advance the horticulture industry.
- National Association of Landscape Professionals: Represents landscape professionals and businesses.
- AmericanHort: Advocates for the horticulture industry and provides resources.
- Perennial Plant Association: Focuses on perennial plants and education.
- International Society for Horticultural Science: Promotes and coordinates international horticultural research.
- Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers: Supports specialty cut flower growers and promotes their products.
- American Public Gardens Association: Supports public gardens and professionals.
- International Society of Arboriculture: Represents arborists and tree care professionals.
- Professional Grounds Management Society: Advances grounds management and horticulture practices.
- Sports Field Managers Association: Focuses on sports turf management, providing education and networking for professionals.
- Association of Professional Landscape Designers: Supports landscape designers promoting sustainable and environmentally conscious design.
- Sustainable Sites Initiative: Focuses on sustainable land development and landscape design.
- Society of American Florists: Represents the floral industry and promotes sustainable practices.
- International Society of Arboriculture: Represents arborists and promotes tree care and preservation.
- Green Roofs for Healthy Cities: Focuses on green roof and wall technology for sustainable urban development.
Soil and Crop Sciences Professional Associations
Local Colorado and Regional Organizations
- Colorado State University Extension: Contact the agriculture or soil and crop science department for local and regional information.
- Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee: Represents Colorado wheat producers and supports wheat-related research and promotion.
- Colorado Corn Growers Association: Represents Colorado corn producers and promotes corn-related interests.
- Colorado Department of Agriculture: Inquire about regional soil and crop science associations and networks.
- Colorado Farm Bureau: Represents agricultural producers and supports various aspects of agriculture in Colorado.
National Organizations
- Crop Science Society of America: Advances crop science research and education.
- Soil Science Society of America: Promotes soil science research, education, and outreach.
- American Society of Agronomy: Advances agronomy research and education.
- American Seed Trade Association: Represents the seed industry, including crop sciences and plant breeding.
- National Association of Wheat Growers: Represents wheat growers and promotes wheat-related research.
- American Peanut Research and Education Society: Focuses on peanut research and education, including crop sciences.
- International Plant Nutrition Institute: Focuses on plant nutrition and soil fertility research and education.
- American Forage and Grassland Council: Supports forage and grassland research and education.
- American Society of Plant Biologists: Advances plant biology research and education.